Investigation into overheating of Salman Mosque amid crowds

Ministry of Islamic Affairs has declared that investigations are ensuing into the overheating of King Salman Mosque during crowding of the venue despite the air conditioners facing no issues at this time.

While many have been frequenting the Salman Mosque for their prayers with the beginning of Ramadan, persistent complaints are surfacing in protest of the severe heat felt inside the mosque.

In response to an enquiry by Mihaaru News, Deputy Minister of Islamic Ministry, Mohamed Ahusan declared that no problems have been identified from the air conditioners placed in the mosque.

“As the mosque heats up when many people step inside all at once, we are investigating the matter,” he assured.

Many are seen frequenting the Salman Mosque to perform daily prayers and the mosque has congregations filling up both outside and inside the mosque.

While a substantial number of women have begun visiting the mosque for Tarawih prayers, the floor dedicated for women also heats up exponentially. As a result, many take to forming rows outside the mosque despite existing space inside.

Users of the mosque have previously lodged complaints on the heating of the mosque during Friday prayers before the month of Ramadan as well.

No fans are installed inside the mosque and the doors of the mosque are also sealed shut. Due to the enclosed confinement of this venue, the inside of the mosque heats up exponentially.

While the Ministry of Islamic Affairs insist that the air conditioners have no issues, three out of four AC units in both stories of the mosque observed faultiness within six months into the initial operation of the mosque. At the time, a Turkish delegation of technicians had visited the country to resolve the issue and the Ministry had assured that the renovation would be concluded by the end of December that year.

The Salman Mosque that was built with aid from Saudi Arabia during former president Abdulla Yameen’s administration had opened its doors to civilians in Ramadan 2022 following the escalated civilian complaints on the mosque remaining restricted for public use despite its concluded construction.

A notice placed on a door of the mosque last night that was sealed shut explained that the doors were secured due to frequent closing and opening of doors in the mosque leading to various faults within the AC units and urged use of the southern door on the first floor of the mosque.

Built under the expense of the Saudi King himself, King Salman Mosque had expended a fund of MVR 370 million amid its establishment.